DevOps Dogma: Are We Missing the Point?
DevOps is the heartthrob of modern software development: everyone's clamouring to adopt it, to integrate it, to live and breathe it. But in our rush to embrace DevOps, have we developed an unhealthy obsession with the “how” rather than the “why”? In the fixation on processes, tools, and rituals, have we lost sight of the real goal? And what is the real goal again?
The Problem with DevOps Dogma
Adopting DevOps without understanding the real goal can veer into dogmatic thinking - certain practices are not questioned. You must use Kubernetes. You must automate all the things. You must have daily stand-ups. We’re drowning in a sea of best practices, forgetting that best doesn’t mean universal. What works for one might be a total disaster for another.
The Importance of Business Goals
It’s important to take a step back and breathe. Remember why we’re here in the first place. DevOps isn’t actually about the latest tools or the trendiest methodologies—it’s about creating value. It’s about speed, quality, and efficiency in delivering software.
Align your DevOps practices with your business goals. If a practice doesn’t serve your business, ditch it. There’s no one-size-fits-all. Implementing practices that don’t fit your unique landscape can be like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. You end up with a mess and a lot of wasted effort.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is your best friend. Tailor your DevOps practices to your company’s specific needs. Are you a small startup? Your needs will differ vastly from those of a large enterprise. Recognise that and act accordingly. Aim for gradual progress rather than an overnight transformation. Going from zero to a hundred is not just unrealistic, it’s counterproductive. Small, flexible, incremental changes that align with your business goals will yield far better results than a rigid, dogmatic approach.
The Bottom Line
Dogmatism in DevOps is a distraction from its original purpose. The real magic lies in flexibility, in tailoring practices to fit your unique needs and focusing on outcomes over processes. The goal is to deliver value to the business, not to blindly follow a set of prescribed practices. Stay flexible, stay focused on what matters, and the results will speak for themselves. DevOps should serve your business, not the other way around.
